SINGAPORE: Nominated Members of Parliament (NMPs) Raj Joshua Thomas and Syed Harun Taha Alhabsyi submitted their resignations on 14 February 2024, igniting speculation about their potential candidacy in the upcoming General Election.
Mr Thomas, in a heartfelt Facebook post, expressed his gratitude for serving two terms as an NMP. He stated his desire to continue serving Singaporeans but in a “different way,” suggesting that a new path may be on the horizon.
Confirmations and Resignation Letters
Speaker of Parliament Seah Kian Peng confirmed that both resignation letters were received around noon, noting that while they cherished their time as NMPs, he refrained from discussing any reasons behind their resignations.
Both NMPs shared their experiences as meaningful, with Mr Seah ensuring that their contributions were acknowledged.
Potential Implications for Future NMPs
Political observers are scrutinising these resignations closely. Felix Tan, an independent political analyst, emphasised that the resignations could signal a shift in how the NMP system is perceived. He cautioned that if future NMPs also use their positions as stepping stones to parliamentary elections, it could compromise the objectivity expected from NMPs, who are appointed to represent diverse community views.
Who Are the Resigning NMPs?
Mr Thomas has significant professional credentials as a managing partner at Tang Thomas LLC. He also presides over the Security Association of Singapore and serves on the board of Workforce Singapore. His career began in public service, focusing on strategic roles in various government agencies.
Dr Syed Harun, on the other hand, is a consultant psychiatrist and medical director at The Starfish Clinic. With a background in both military and civilian health care, he brings a wealth of experience to his former role as an NMP, blending clinical and academic pursuits.
Historical Context of NMPs
The NMP scheme, established in 1990, aims to enhance parliamentary diversity by enabling up to nine individuals to represent various community perspectives. While some NMPs have been affiliated with political parties prior to their appointments, none have contested in a General Election post-tenure, making this scenario particularly noteworthy.
Former NMP Calvin Cheng noted that if Mr Thomas or Dr Syed Harun decide to run for election, it would be an unprecedented act that could reshape public perceptions of the NMP role.